NOTE: The new SAT 2016 no longer has these questions. Click here for our updated SAT Reading practice questions.
Our passage-based reading practice tests will help you prepare for your SAT reading comprehension questions. You will first read a short passage and then you will have a series of questions to test your reading skills. The questions are based on the content of the passages and you may also be asked about the meaning of a word as it is used in the context of the reading. These free SAT reading comprehension questions will help you prepare for your SAT.
Directions: The passages below are followed by questions about their content. Answer the questions on the basis of what is stated or implied in the passages.
Question 1 |
The second sentence (“The reasons…are twofold”) refers to
a need for a food surplus and a successful economy | |
the development of commerce and administration | |
the construction of elaborate canals and drainage systems | |
the establishment of successful agriculture and the foundation of cities | |
the complexity and success of the irrigation systems |
Question 2 |
As used in this passage, the word “tremendous” most nearly means
wonderful | |
enormous | |
intricate | |
important | |
moderate |
Question 3 |
As used in this passage, the word “air” most nearly means
requirement | |
lack | |
combination | |
imitation | |
impression |
Question 4 |
With which of the following statements would the writer most likely agree?
Havana is a historic and diverse city. | |
The citizens of Havana are essential to the endurance of the city. | |
The citizens of Havana will never be able to rebuild the city to its past glory. | |
The look of Havana has evolved steadily throughout its history. | |
Havana is an unusually wealthy city. |
Question 5 |
The author implies that initially he only “casually looked” (line 1) through the childhood journal because
he could not remember the events it described | |
he was not skilled at drawing | |
he found its content unfamiliar | |
he was not interested in his childhood | |
he was embarrassed by his cartoons |
Question 6 |
The author’s purpose in mentioning his brother’s “victorious taunts” is most likely to
indicate that he had a strained relationship with his brother | |
imply that this billiards game was particularly memorable | |
criticize his brother’s behavior | |
suggest the journal recalled painful memories | |
underscore the journal’s ability to powerfully recall the past |
Question 7 |
The plague on both political parties (line 1) could best be described as their
reliance on polls to determine the feelings of the voting public | |
willingness to attack their closest competitors | |
need to appeal to an ill-informed electorate | |
lack of concern for the views of most voters | |
refusal to speak to lower-income families |
Question 8 |
As used in this passage, the word “acquaintance” most nearly means
polite relationship | |
superficial familiarity | |
fraught discussion | |
complex dialogue | |
nuanced exchange |
List |
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